Top Tips for Traveling with a Peanut Allergy

By Meaghan Grettano

Being an allergy mom, my senses are heightened daily to ensure that my daughter is safe.  Preparing for travel is no exception! With spring break coming up (and then summer right around the corner!) I’ve got some travel plans in my back pocket.  As I look forward to these warmer days  and as my Type-A self draws up these travel itineraries, I make sure that not a detail goes unnoticed, including attention to my daughter’s peanut allergy.  Having been an allergy mom for eight years now, we’ve taken quite a few trips and I can honestly say…traveling with a peanut allergy can be a nightmare or it can be a breeze.  It’s all in the preparation.  Here are some of my tops tips to jet set with ease when traveling with a child with a severe nut allergy.

1. Ensure you’re getting the safest flight available for your little one.

The days of getting the little plastic wings and a bag of peanuts while flying is no longer safe for many children today.  So how can you ensure that your child with a nut allergy is safe when booking the flight for a family vacation?  Here are a couple of my tricks:

First and foremost, when you buy your tickets, call the airlines and alert them that you are traveling with a child with a severe nut allergy. Many airlines will not offer peanuts on the flights you booked and will include this notation in your reservation.  It is a good idea to remind the gate agent when checking in.  Over communication is better than not enough!

Secondly, whenever possible, book early morning flights.  Planes typically get a thorough clean overnight.  The cleaner the plane, the better to help keep our kids with allergies safe!  While there is no way to completely guarantee that an airplane is completely free of peanuts and airborne residue, taking these proactive precautions will no doubt give you peace of mind and will help keep your little ones safe.

Finally, try to stay calm.  Travel is often stressful, even without a food allergy.  Make the experience as low-key as possible for both you and your little one.  Remember that your kiddo is taking cues from you; she or he can tell when you are upset!  If you are feeling anxious,  try taking deep breaths, popping a mint, or distracting yourself by playing a silly game with your sweetie.

2. Bring wipes everywhere you go.

Another easy way to help avoid accidental exposure to nuts is to have those wipes handy and use them!  Wipe down any and every questionable surface!  Think airplane tray tables, picnic or dining tables in a restaurant or amusement park, etc.  Any place where there are many people, especially children, it’s a good idea to have those wipes handy!  You might feel more comfortable bringing a sheet or towel to cover a seat on the plane, too!

3. Pack your own snacks.

This has been a common practice for me for years now and is a given when I travel.  Whether it’s a day at the beach, an amusement park, or just a long day in the car, being prepared with quick nut-free snacks is an easy way to keep the kids satisfied and safe!  The health coach in me loves this, too, because it allows me to control what my kids are getting in their bellies.  Packing snacks helps to minimize a lot of the processed food and fast food.

4. Book a room with a fridge.

When choosing a hotel room, make sure it has a fridge.  This makes traveling with your own snacks so much easier!  I like to keep lots of fresh fruit and yogurt on hand, so a fridge is a necessity.  For me, it’s not just about keeping the little ones safe from peanuts, it’s making sure they snack healthy too!

5. Research and map out your ice cream options.

Ice cream, you ask?  Is she serious?  Yes, I am!  Let’s face it, vacation and ice cream go hand in hand.  But here’s the thing…many ice cream places cannot (or will not) accommodate a nut allergy.  A lot of ice cream flavors have nuts and the popular frozen yogurt bars have nut toppings everywhere.  I’ve seen a number of ice cream places with signs on the door warning customers that any of their products may contain nuts.  Ice cream is serious business to a kid!  They love a good cone, especially on vacation.

I learned this lesson the hard way.  Once, we walked into an ice cream parlor with my daughter and her friends.  We had never been there before.  The shop had a sign right on the counter disclaiming that their products could not be guaranteed nut-free.  Right there in the ice cream parlor, my daughter had a bad case of the peanut allergy blues.  I knew at that moment I would never let that happen again.  Now, I check ahead so I know whether an ice cream place will accommodate her allergy.  I call beforehand or go in ahead of time on my own, without the kids, to check it out and ask questions.  You can never be too sure.  No matter how long this has been a part of your child’s life, there are often some pretty intense emotions around it.  It is best to make experiences as seamless and enjoyable as possible!

With all of this in mind, happy (and safe!) travels to you and your family!

Leave a comment and tell us where spring break and this summer are taking you!

Meaghan Grettano is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, an allergy mom, and a food allergy blogger.

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